Dell's XP 'downgrade' plan--an extra 50 bucks, please

Are you ready for some transitioning?

If you missed that June 18 deadline to order your Dell laptop or desktop with Windows XP, you're not totally out of luck. We're actually totally acclimated to Windows Vista by now, but if you're not ready to make the leap yet, we finally have some details on the XP downgrade plans being offered by Dell.

Even though Dell can't sell you a computer with just an OEM copy of XP anymore, they'll be more than happy to sell you a Vista PC, but install a copy of XP on it instead. Then they toss the copy of Vista you've already paid for into the box, so you can install it when you're ready to take the big plunge. This'll add between $50 and $100 to your purchase price, depending on which version of noninstalled Vista you get.

Dell says it's so you can "transition when you're ready," explaining the plan like this:

Microsoft is making the full line of Windows Vista the primary operating system for new PCs. However, customers who are buying a new PC have an opportunity from Dell to buy a Dell PC with Windows XP Professional preinstalled and receive a Windows Vista installation disc. This gives customers the option of running XP now and transitioning to Vista when they're ready.

Naturally, there are only a handful of systems that qualify for this plan, and there are going to be exceptions (Netbook-style laptops, individual system builders, etc.) to the new no-XP rule, so it's still a little early to count everyone's favorite (Microsoft) OS out yet.

[spmtstdrz]

I practice, buying a PC with XP is more expensive than buying it with Vista. Brilliant.

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[Zaunto]

It's definitely brilliant. How many people will want to pay an extra $50 just to get XP pre-installed, only to eventually have to install Vista anyway? By January of 2009, unless you plan buy a used PC or plan to buy from a system integrator, the big boys won't be selling you a PC with XP. Give it up ladies and gentlemen. We're all going to end up having to deal with Vista sooner or later.

[Lerianis]

There isn't really much to 'deal' with in Vista. All the applications that worked on Windows XP still work in Vista. Heck, I didn't even know that there were some updates to my programs to 'make them compatible with Vista, and they STILL worked just fine!

[dwr50]

Great business plan... Dell + idiot buyer = $$$. People that stupid deserve what they get. lol

[Raymond Lui]

Mr. Ackerman,

It's worth noting that they DID NOT charge extra for this whole downgrade to Windows XP Professional option.

If you look at the order page, the price is the same for Windows Vista Business and Windows XP Professional (Vista Business included shall you decided to upgrade to Vista).

You are paying extra only when you upgrade from a Home version of Vista.

While you can argue that you have to spend more now if you wish to have XP as your new machine's operating system because you're now forced to pick WIndows XP Professional as Home Edition is no longer available; the OEMs DID NOT charge you extra for the downgrade option itself.

[jscott418]

Obviously a plus for Dell. But you know, if your going to stay with XP their is not many reason's to buy a new computer unless your old one is broke. I think maybe Dell's crap just runs better on XP then Vista? Because they sure keep pushing it on buyer's.

[jbaviera]

I'll take XP Pro over Vista any day! At least I know it works.
With the problems I've had with my HP with Vista Home Premium pre-installed, I'd much rather have XP!